11 Health Benefits of Eating Chocolates
Eating chocolates is not only fun, it also has health benefits. From improving your heart health to boosting your performance at the gym, there are many ways that eating chocolates can boost your wellness.
1. It Lowers Blood Pressure –
The main antioxidants in chocolate are flavonoids, which help lower blood pressure. By relaxing the blood vessels, they prevent your heart from having to work harder. This can help decrease your risk of heart disease and stroke.
2. It Reduces the Risk of Liver Damage –
Researchers have found that people who consume chocolate regularly are less likely to develop liver disease. The antioxidants in chocolate, called polyphenols, have been shown to improve blood flow to the liver.
3. It Can Improve Your Cognition –
The antioxidants in chocolate have been linked to a number of positive effects on the brain, including improving your focus and memory. It’s also a good source of potassium, magnesium, and iron.
4. It Can Reduce Your Stress Levels –
The valeric acid in chocolate can help regulate the body’s serotonin and dopamine levels, which help your mood stay upbeat. This can help you relax and feel better after a stressful day, says Joy DuBost, PhD, RD, a food scientist, registered dietitian, and owner of DuBost Food and Nutrition Solutions in Arlington, Virginia.
5. It Can Help Protect Your Skin –
The antioxidants in dark chocolate have been shown to help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays and may even have a beneficial effect on wrinkles and skin elasticity.
6. It Can Keep Your Gut Healthy –
The phenolic compounds in the cocoa plant that is used to make chocolate are known for their positive effects on the digestive system. They help reduce inflammation in the intestines, improve intestinal function and aid in digestion.
7. It Can Boost Your Energy –
The polyphenols and flavonoids in chocolate can boost your energy levels. This is because they release nitric oxide into your bloodstream, which makes the cells in your muscles more efficient at using oxygen and other nutrients.
8. It Can Protect Your Eyes –
The caffeine in chocolate helps your eyesight by reducing the amount of oxidative stress that the eyes are exposed to. This can protect your eye from conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration, according to research conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health.
9. It Can Improve Your Memory –
The flavonoids in chocolate can improve your memory by reducing the amount of oxidative damage that your brain is exposed to. This can help prevent memory loss caused by conditions such as Alzheimer’s.
10. It Can Help Prevent Cancer –
The antioxidants in chocolate can help prevent cancer by lowering the risk of tumors. They can also help to reduce inflammation, which is thought to be a key factor in the development of cancer.
11. It Can Protect Your Organs –
The flavonoids and other phytonutrients in chocolate can protect your organs by preventing damage from free radicals. This can help you avoid conditions such as kidney disease, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
10 Tips on How to Improve Your Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that plays a vital role in transporting oxygen to your body’s tissues and organs. When hemoglobin levels are low, it can make your body feel tired and lead to anaemia.
Boosting your hemoglobin level is important to help you stay healthy and live longer. You can increase your hemoglobin by consuming the right amount of iron-rich foods, vitamin C and other nutrients.
Heme iron:
It is the most absorbable form of iron and can be found in lean meats, seafood, beans, peas, dried fruits and fortified grains. You can also get non-heme iron from vegetables, nuts, seeds and fortified cereals, but it is less bioavailable than heme iron.
Fruits:
A diet rich in apricots, apples, grapes, bananas, pomegranates and watermelons is a great way to improve your hemoglobin count because it contains a good source of iron. Other iron-rich foods include chicken liver, whole eggs and oysters.
Vitamin C:
Getting enough vitamin C is an important part of boosting your hemoglobin because it helps your body absorb iron. You can get more vitamin C by eating more citrus fruits, berries and kiwis.
Avoid phytic acid:
Foods that contain phytic acid, such as legumes, oats and whole wheat flour, reduce your body’s absorption of iron. This is because the phytic acid binds with the iron.
Eat a variety of foods:
A diet that includes a wide range of foods from all the food groups is the best way to increase your hemoglobin level. Choose a variety of protein sources like meat, poultry, fish, tofu and eggs along with other nutrient-rich foods such as spinach, lentils, broccoli, potatoes, whole grain pasta, oats and brown rice.
Limit alcohol and caffeine:
Drinking alcohol interferes with your body’s ability to absorb iron. It can also inhibit the production of hemoglobin, so reducing your intake of alcohol is an effective way to raise your hemoglobin level.
Change your diet:
A well-balanced and varied diet can help you get the right amount of iron. It is also helpful to eat more foods high in vitamin C and other nutrients, such as potassium, calcium and zinc.
Changing your lifestyle:
Exercise is another great way to boost your hemoglobin level. It helps your body produce more red blood cells and hemoglobin, which can help boost your overall health and energy.
Adding more vegetables to your diet:
Vegetables are an excellent source of iron, vitamin B12 and fibre. They are also a good source of vitamins A, C and K.
Increasing your hemoglobin by taking an iron supplement or dietary changes: Many people can increase their hemoglobin by modifying their diet and taking an oral iron supplement. You may need to take the supplement for a few months before you see the results you want.
Anaemia can be difficult to treat, so it is a good idea to talk with your doctor about options. You may need to undergo tests to determine the cause of your anaemia and whether dietary changes, supplements or medical treatment are needed to increase your hemoglobin level.
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